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Biogen Announces It Will Discontinue Development of Dexpramipexole Based on Phase 3 Trial Results

January 3, 2013

Today Biogen Idec reported top-line results of EMPOWER, a Phase 3 trial investigating dexpramipexole in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). According to the company’s website:

“The trial did not meet its primary endpoint, a joint rank analysis of function and survival, and no efficacy was seen in the individual components of function or survival. The trial also failed to show efficacy in its key secondary endpoints. Additional analyses of multiple subpopulations failed to demonstrate any efficacy among these groups. Based on these results, Biogen Idec will discontinue development of dexpramipexole in ALS.”'

Despite this disappointing news, The ALS Association is encouraged that Biogen remains focused on ALS. Not only is Biogen investigating other compounds but it also recently created a research consortium in collaboration with several leading academic research centers to identify new approaches to treating ALS. Additionally, The Association remains optimistic because there are other companies presently developing treatments to help fight ALS.

“I am deeply saddened by this news and know how disappointing it is for the thousands of people living with ALS and their families. On behalf of The ALS Association, I want to assure the ALS community that we are doing everything we can to work with companies to advance treatments and bring them to patients as soon as possible,” said Jane H. Gilbert, President and CEO of The ALS Association.

Information about EMPOWER, dexpramipexole and Biogen Idec’s commitment to ALS is available by calling (877) 312-9676 or (919) 993-7311 in the U.S. or +44 1932 824112 outside of the U.S.